If you like this, try…
Wines like Kisi
A rare Georgian variety producing distinctive, honeyed amber wines. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Kisi?
Optional — the results below already work without it. But “I like Malbec” is at least four different preferences wearing one name, and saying which one you mean changes the answer substantially. Only qualities this wine actually has are offered.
What these words mean
- The tropical fruit
- Passionfruit, mango, pineapple, guava. It comes from riper fruit and warmer sites, and it is the difference between Marlborough and Sancerre in the same grape.
- How full and weighty it is
- Body is how much the wine seems to fill your mouth — the difference between skimmed and whole milk. It comes mostly from alcohol and ripeness.
- The creamy, rounded texture
- A soft, almost dairy-like roundness. In white wine it usually comes from malolactic fermentation or from time on the lees, not from the grape.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- The savoury, meaty side
- Leather, olive, cured meat, dried herbs, tobacco. It is what people mean by calling a wine "serious" rather than "fruity", and it comes with age as well as with place.
- That it is properly dry
- No perceptible sugar at all. Almost all red wine is dry and a good deal of white wine is not, which is why this is a more useful thing to say about a white than about a red.
Looking for something keeping the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too buttery or thick, too plain or too simple and too tropical or sweet-smelling.
Based on what you said
Ranked against the qualities you named rather than against the wine as a whole. The directions below are refined the same way.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Franken Silvaner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Chablis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more fruit-driven.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more fruit-driven.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Change the structure
Same idea, different weight, grip or freshness.
Similar but lighter
Keeps the character but reduces weight, alcohol and density in the mouth.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more fruit-driven.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Gavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but lower in alcohol
Holds the character and the weight where it can, and moves specifically on strength. Note that below about 11% the choices narrow sharply, and below 5% they are mostly a different category rather than a lighter version of the same one.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Franken Silvaner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
Chablis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more aromatic.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more aromatic.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more aromatic.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more fruit-driven.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Chablis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Etna Bianco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Gavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Brda Rebula
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more oaky.
Marsanne
Marsanne scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Roussanne
Roussanne scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more aromatic.
Pošip
Pošip scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
English sparkling wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Cava
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
English Blanc de Blancs
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Crémant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more fruit-driven.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
English sparkling wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more aromatic.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more aromatic.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more fruit-driven.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Pouilly-Fumé
Pouilly-Fumé scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Sancerre
Sancerre scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Albariño
Albariño scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Rías Baixas Albariño
Rías Baixas Albariño scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more fruit-driven.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Franken Silvaner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Sancerre
Sancerre scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Soave
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Garganega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more savoury.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Taurasi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Coteaux du Layon
Coteaux du Layon scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Kisi across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Change the mood
Safer, stranger, cheaper or more serious.
A safe next step
Well-known wines that are widely available and unlikely to surprise anyone.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chablis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more fruit-driven.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
A better-value alternative
Wines that occupy similar sensory territory from regions carrying less price premium. WineHQ does not hold live prices, so this reasons from regional reputation and demand rather than from a price feed — treat it as a lead, not a quote.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more fruit-driven.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Each suggestion is scored across sixteen taste dimensions, weighted so that structure matters more than flavour, and adjusted for whether the wine actually moves in the direction you asked for. Curated links from an editor carry extra weight — but only when the editor tagged them for this direction. Nothing here is a black box; see the taste model for the full method.